Exotic Ticks to Watch Out For in Sweden: 'Large and Aggressive'

As spring arrives, Sweden faces a growing concern: the proliferation of exotic ticks. The Swedish Board of Agriculture (SVA) has issued a crucial call to action, asking citizens to report any sightings of these non-native species. This initiative is vital as climate change creates more favorable conditions for these ticks to survive and establish themselves in our northern latitudes.

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It moves more like a spider and crawls quite quickly.

The migratory bird tick, in particular, poses a significant threat. This species, which can reach up to three centimeters in size and resembles a spider in its rapid movement, is capable of carrying the dangerous Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus. This virus has a high mortality rate, ranging from 3 to 40 percent, making its potential spread a serious public health issue for Sweden.

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Last year, heaps of envelopes with ticks arrived at the lab every day.

Last year, SVA received nearly 12,000 tick reports through its 'Report a Tick' service. This year, the focus is on specific species: the migratory bird tick, the colorful dog tick, and the native castor bean tick. By encouraging public participation in reporting, SVA aims to create a comprehensive map of tick distribution and identify areas where these ticks carry infectious agents. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding public health and understanding the evolving ecological landscape of Sweden.

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It can carry the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, which causes severe illness in humans with a mortality rate of 3 to 40 percent.